Chris Smith (left) has provided Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell with a consistent target (16 catches, 196 yards) this season, but also has a pair of fumbles.

Written by

Brandon Marcello
bmarcello@clarionledger.com

Mississippi State would rather not find out what games are like without Chad Bumphis.

The senior receiver is enjoying the best season of his career. He's delivered a win at Troy, a few clutch catches against Kentucky and Auburn, and a career-best six touchdowns less than halfway through the season.

It's also why No. 19 MSU (5-0, 2-0 SEC) needs to find a good secondary option if Bumphis is unable to get open Saturday against Tennessee (3-2, 0-2) or later in the season. ...